Two production areas of trickle fertigated melon were grid sampled with the objective of assessing spatial variability of yield, and to determine the spatial dependence while locating regions where site specific management can improve economic returns. The hybrid Goldex was grown in a Yellow Red Latosol, and the orange Flesh in a Yellow Red Argisol. The stand, yield of export type fruits, yield of national market fruits and marketable yield were determined. Descriptive statistics was used for an exploratory analysis of data, while geostatistics was used for evaluating spatial dependence of variables and generate contour maps by interpolation techniques. All variables, except stand, adjusted to normal distribution and showed medium variability. Yield variables were spatially dependents and adjusted to exponential or spherical models of semi-variograms. Contour maps showed regions where site specific management can improve economic returns since limiting factors are identified and suitable technologies adopted.
Cucumis melo; geostatistics; site specific management
